Nurse Educator Schools in Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a great place for any type of nursing career. If you’re currently practicing as a nurse and thinking about switching careers, nursing education may be for you. This guide will show you how to switch to this career.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Massachusetts?
To work in a nursing education career in Massachusetts, you need a nursing undergraduate degree to start. This is an ADN or BSN in nursing, followed by a registered nursing license. That allows you to work as a practice nurse, but to teach you need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) dedicated to education, one offering an education pathway. Many nursing educators also pursue doctorates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs where available).
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
UMass Amherst's Online Master of Science in Nursing Education provides a transformative pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. The program strategically blends rigorous online coursework with two immersive in-person practicums, enabling students to develop sophisticated curriculum design skills and advanced teaching methodologies. Recognized nationally as a top-tier online graduate program, it prepares nurses for the Nurse Educator certification while meeting the comprehensive competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The curriculum emphasizes innovative teaching strategies, clinical expertise, and professional development across academic and healthcare environments.
- Fully online master's program
- Two in-person practicums
- Fall admission deadline: Dec 15
- Prepares for Nurse Educator certification
- Advanced nursing education focus
- Develops curriculum design skills
- Meets AACN MS competencies
- Clinical and classroom experience
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers a concise yet powerful professional development opportunity for registered nurses aspiring to excel in educational roles. Delivered entirely online, this four-course program provides comprehensive preparation for teaching in academic and clinical settings. Participants will gain advanced pedagogical skills, explore curriculum design principles, and prepare for National League for Nursing Certification. Ideal for working professionals, the certificate accommodates DNP and PhD students seeking specialized nursing education credentials. The program's flexible format and focused curriculum ensure nurses can seamlessly integrate advanced learning into their professional trajectories.
- Online graduate certificate program
- Four-course (12-credit) curriculum
- Flexible learning schedule
- Prepares nurses for teaching roles
- Capstone teaching practicum included
- Open to DNP/PhD students
- NLN Certification preparation
- Courses fully online
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
Master's - M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Endicott College's M.S. in Nursing Education is a cutting-edge program meticulously crafted for nursing professionals aspiring to transform healthcare education. Spanning 33 credits and deliverable within 18 months, the hybrid program eliminates GRE requirements while offering 100% online coursework. Students explore advanced nursing practice, research methodologies, and contemporary healthcare trends, positioning graduates as innovative educational leaders. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs across academic and clinical environments. With a supportive cohort model and integrated internship opportunities, participants develop comprehensive skills in curriculum development, instructional technologies, and professional leadership.
- 33 credit hour program
- 100% online courses
- 18-month completion time
- No GRE required
- Cost per credit: $896
- Total degree cost: $29,570
- Cohort model supports collaboration
- Internship opportunity included
- Designed for working nurses
- Accredited by ACEN
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Post-Master's Nursing Educator Certificate at Endicott College represents a specialized pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to elevate their educational expertise. This concise 15-credit online program provides comprehensive training in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and professional leadership. Participants engage with diverse learning techniques, emerging instructional technologies, and ethical considerations in nursing education. The flexible format accommodates working nurses, offering individualized internship placements that facilitate practical application of advanced educational principles. By emphasizing technology-enhanced learning and professional development, the certificate program equips nurses with sophisticated skills to excel as transformative educators in academic and clinical settings.
- 100% online format
- 15 total credits required
- Integrated professional leadership training
- Individual internship placements
- Focus on diverse learning techniques
- Develop instructional technology skills
- Advanced nursing education curriculum
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA - Public 4-Year - worcester.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator Specialization
Online Learning - Visit Website
Worcester State University's online Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator Specialization offers a transformative 35-credit program designed for working registered nurses seeking advanced educational roles. The curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and high-fidelity simulation technologies. Notably, the program boasts no GRE requirement and maintains a 2.75 GPA threshold, making it accessible for practicing nurses. Students gain comprehensive skills to excel in academic, clinical, and patient care educational settings. CCNE-accredited, the program prepares graduates for national nurse educator certification, enabling professionals to drive innovation in healthcare education across diverse environments.
- 35-credit online MSN program
- Prepares nurse educators
- GPA requirement 2.75
- No GRE required
- National certification eligibility
- Flexible for working professionals
- High-fidelity simulation training
- Accredited by CCNE
Salem State University
Salem, MA - Public 4-Year - salemstate.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salem State University's MSN in Nursing Education program offers a robust pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced teaching credentials. Designed as a flexible hybrid program, students can complete the comprehensive 36-credit curriculum in approximately three years while maintaining professional responsibilities. The program uniquely eliminates GRE requirements, welcoming applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Evening and hybrid class formats accommodate working healthcare professionals, enabling them to develop sophisticated pedagogical skills. Graduates are prepared to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments, with opportunities for national certification and potential post-master's certificate advancement. The program emphasizes practical, innovative nursing education strategies tailored for transformative healthcare instruction.
- MSN Nursing Education track
- 36 total credit program
- 3-year part-time completion
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Evening hybrid classes
- Up to 9 credits transferable
- Non-matriculated option available
- Post-master's certificate option
- National certification eligible
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA - Public 4-Year - umassd.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing and Healthcare Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
UMass Dartmouth's MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Education emerges as a pioneering online program strategically designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced pedagogical skills. With a comprehensive 39-credit curriculum, the program uniquely prepares educators to transform healthcare learning environments through innovative teaching methodologies. Students develop sophisticated competencies in curriculum design, technological integration, and evidence-based educational strategies. The flexible, asynchronous format accommodates working nurses, offering six transferable credits and a minimum 126-hour practicum experience. Graduates are equipped to excel in academic, clinical, and staff development settings, with a strong emphasis on national educator competency standards and leadership skill enhancement.
- 39-credit fully online program
- Nursing and Healthcare Education concentration
- Minimum 126 practicum hours
- Prepares nurse educators
- Six credits transferable
- Integrates core master's concepts
- National educator competency-based
- Leadership skill development
- Clinical and academic focus
- Individualized practicum experience
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Massachusetts has two online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, one of them being the University of Massachusetts. Students will have choices of courses in a range of subjects from statistics, teaching, learning techniques, and evaluation and assessment.
- A regionally accredited bachelor's degree in nursing
- A GPA of 3.0; include transcripts
- Some courses may have specific requests for grades
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- Application form and fee; a resume may be requested
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.
There are three doctorate programs for nursing education to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) is for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.
The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.
The University of Massachusetts has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as a DNP program.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Massachusetts
Nurse educators in Massachusetts must have an RN license and follow all requirements to maintain that throughout, even if they have no intention of working in practice beyond the minimum needed for that eligibility.
While certification is not mandatory, you are strongly advised to pursue it. Three types are available:
- CNEis the standard type– it is for academic educators
- CNEcl is an alternative certification aimed at clinical practice educators
- CNEn is for novices – that is for practitioners of the other two types who have less than three years of experience
Certification also has a list of minimum requirements for applicants to remain eligible for recertification at the end of the term.
RN licensing in Massachusetts costs $230 for the application and $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is $275 plus a $30 verification fee. Renewals cost $120. CNE is the same cost no matter where you are: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for NLN members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Massachusetts?
What possible career paths will be open to you once you've graduated and claimed your license and certification?
- Academic teaching: Working in colleges and universities around the country, you'll teach and research both undergraduate and graduate students
- Professional teaching: Working from medical facilities, you'll educate working professionals on procedures, practice, technology, and more
- Private training provider: You may teach professionals, but you'll also work in training for sales professionals and other support employees
- Non-profit and charity: There is plenty of work in training aid workers, public health outreach, and lobbying the government on health causes
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Massachusetts? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
- Nursing Education Hybrid
Beverly, MA 01915
(197) 892-7058 x5
Chicopee, MA
Elms College
- Nursing Education Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 594-2761
Dartmouth, MA
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-9202
Weston, MA
Regis College
- MSN to DNP Nurse Educator Online
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000
Worcester, MA
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8000
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